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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Every year since I moved out on my own I've been hosting a Christmas party for my family. It started out as a very simple get together at my apartment where everyone managed to SQUEEZE into my tiny living room. Now there is much more room and I get lots of help from my husband (it's especially nice to have help with the food since I don't really enjoy cooking... I'm more of an "out to eat" or "order take out" kind of girl)!

This year it was snowing like crazy a few days before and continued on the day of the party. It looked so pretty and Christmas-y outside and put us all in the mood. The kids are always excited since our party is early in December and the gifts they receive are usually the first ones of the season. I usually have some sort of game, but this year, I decided to have Christmas crafts. Do you remember poking holes into oranges and creating designs with cloves? Oh, they smell so good! Everyone also created a "scratch art" Christmas ornament. I bought them from Oriental Trading company, but I remember making scratch art projects when I was little. We had to color the entire paper with rainbow colors and then completely cover it with black. Then, we used a toothpick (or a pen cap) to scratch off the black. It was fun and creative.

I hope you enjoy taking a peak at my family Christmas party.
Merry Christmas to all of you!!

PS For my photographer friends... some of the pictures were shot with flash (ew, I just hate flash photography) and others in aperture mode with the ISO cranked up so high that I cringed when I saw all the noise (previously referred to as film grain when I shot film)! My indoor lighting skills are still a "work in progress". For now, I'm trying to just enjoy the moments captured and not be so critical of the technical imperfections. :-)

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

It's been a beautiful Autumn and I captured some amazing images during this lovely season. My hometown of Tiffin ALWAYS shines during the season of Fall. Our little town is so picturesque and the perfect place for taking photos.

While I promised myself last Fall that I would NOT overbook myself, I still managed to squeeze in quite a few sessions. I planned to blog about each session... but that didn't happen (yep, that little thing called a full time job kind of got in the way :-). So, instead, check out a sampling of my Fall sessions below!

Derek and Nicole's Engagement Session

My nephew and his fiancé look AMAZING... we're talking MODEL material here! Not only are they super adorable, but they are both smart, kind and so in love. Taking their engagement photos was a joy!

The Bumb Kids

My friend's have such adorable children and these 3 are prime examples! Just look at those faces... super dee duper cuties!!

Mollie's Senior Session

Oh Mollie, I didn't think we could top our many previous sessions... but then, we did! This girl is an absolute natural in front of my camera and she has been there a LOT. She is my "go to" model when I get a new lens or camera. I can always count on Mollie for a spur of the moment "hey, let's go take pictures" even if that means playing in the snow! This young lady is beautiful on the outside, but honestly, it's because her inner beauty is shining through! AND to top it off, there was this AMAZING light shining through the trees the eventing we did her session. I was in heaven!

Theresa's Fall Senior Session

I have know Theresa a LONG time. She was in my first grade many years ago. I can hardly believe she is a senior this year! The spunky little girl I knew has grown up into a beautiful young woman.

Matt and Amy's Engagement Session

My dear friend Amy has found the perfect partner and is getting married! I had such a fun morning handing out with her and Matt in their backyard. It was a bit chilly that morning so there were a few "warm up" breaks, but that didn't stop us from getting some great photos. These 2 are so in love and that made taking their photos EASY! It's always fun to be around people in LOVE!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

I have always loved this poem by Robert Frost. The verse above always reminds me of that time in my life when I was making decisions about where I would travel and what road I would take.

Piper is a senior this year. She will make decisions about what road she wants to travel down... and it will certainly make all the difference.

I had the honor of taking her senior pictures at her grandparent's farm. It's always a treat to photograph someone at a place that has special meaning. She grew up visiting this farm and it was obvious that the place AND her memories were full of happiness.

Piper is funny. She has a smile that makes YOU want to smile back at her! She is spunky, silly and absolutely gorgeous... and I don't just mean on the outside. Oh, you can see below that she is a lovely young woman, but what I hope you can see in her face is a deeper loveliness. I enjoyed every minute of my time with Piper (even when the mosquitoes were attacking us)!

Two roads diverged in a wood... and it's time for Piper to decide what road she will travel down. I know she will choose the road that will make all the difference.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The Sauber family. I had the pleasure of photographing this family at the park in my hometown. The quote above seems appropriate for this little family of 4 as they so obviously love each other very much.

Mom has been my friend and colleague for many years. She is a person you want to know! She is kind, she always has a smile and she cares deeply about the people in her life... her students, her friends and her family. She is strong and gentle at the same time. I admire her. I am honored to call her my friend, colleague and (by marriage) part of my family.

Photographing her family was a joy!

Sometimes, I feel humbled that I'm allowed to collect memories for families that capture how they feel about each other. Look at the photos... can you see it?